50th Celebrations

[Tintin]

This is a quiet forum at the best of times, but I am somewhat surprised that (with a very few notable exceptions) nothing has been posted about the much heralded XJ 50th celebrations. There is a good article in the latest magazine by Vaughn Thomas covering the 2009 - current XJ cars in the context of the 50th but promotion amongst the classic XJ fraternity has been, to say the least, modest.

For me, the XJ is all about the series cars - the last proper "William Lyons" designs. I had the pleasure of sitting in a brand new XJ in a main dealer show-room last week - and I can reliably say that the only connection between this car and the series 1 is the model designation!

Personally, I think emphasis should be given to the early models - these are becoming quite rare now and deserve a high degree of recognition in any events to mark the occasion. What do others think?

How many readers of this forum intend to bring their series cars to Wroxall Abbey next summer, I wonder, and have you started preparing your cars yet? (I am sitting here typing this as I wait for a parts delivery to (hopefully) cure an engine oil leak!)

Hoping for an impressive and enthusiastic turnout of early XJ models.

Robbie

[RichardSEL]

Look forward to it!

I should have the Owen Sedanca (XJ6 series 1 chassis 1972) out from the workshop by then
It's only been in for restoration since April. Expect MOT week after next -- kid with new toy

Goldie, as she was in 1989

[Tintin]

Hi Richard

I very much look forward to seeing you both at Wroxall - not a car you can mistake easily! Fingers crossed that you have it ready in time.

Robbie

[mike020150]

I'll definitely be at Wroxall next year along with my trusty Series 2 coupe. I'm looking forward to it and rumour has it that there will be other opportunities to celebrate the wonderful XJ models from '68 to present. The Owen Sedanca will be a great attraction to admire again after many years. If I'm not mistaken, I last saw one at Earls Court a long time ago! Mike.

[RichardSEL]

Only three ever constructed -- prototype scrapped after a prang (story varies depending on who you ask) Second is mine, third now in blue after a complete strip down and restore -- in a German museum. There's another rumoured to be on a series 2 chassis that's in the gulf somewheres. But that's not confirmed either.

This is what you saw: H R Owen's (Gerald Ronson time but we won't mention Guinness )
What year did you see Owen at Earls Court motor show? Trying to date the cutting -- dateline and source cut off

HRO1 (trade plate) at Earls Court

HRO1 Earls Court lo-res.jpg (44.04KiB)Viewed 4915 times

[mike020150]

I'm afraid I was a regular at the motor show for many years and after all this time, in my mind, I struggle to separate one year of exciting new model announcements from another (it's generally called old age!). Mike.

[Tintin]

Well, new "O" ring seals now fitted to the blanking plates at the back of the cylinder head (the old ones were rock hard and almost fell out) and the standard copper washers on the camshaft oil feed banjos were upgraded for dowty washers, and all oil contaminated surfaces I could get to cleaned with rags and brake cleaner. Wiltshire Council spread grit all over the roads on Friday, so a test run to check that the oil leak has been cured will have to wait.

Whilst I was at it I re-painted the engine bay braces - looking much more respectable now.

My next task is to deal with the damage caused by spilt brake fluid under the servo unit - and to replace the brake fluid and some hoses.

They're only small jobs but collectively the result should be worthwhile. And it gives me something to do in the winter!

Robbie

[mike020150]

I think you are only trying to make the rest of us feel guilty! Mike.

[Tintin]

I think you are only trying to make the rest of us feel guilty!

I was rather hoping to generate some encouragement, Mike - but from the low level of reaction it seems that everyone else is out there in their garages/on their driveways working hard and making their cars presentable . Either that or they have all beaten me to it and are now putting their feet up for a well earned rest !!

Robbie

[Andy P]

I for one am really excited about going to Wroxall and I don't even have a Series Model only a X308,does that count(I hope so).
Looking forward to meeting loads of people with the same enthusiasm for these cars as myself .
Good luck with the work Robbie sounds good.
And Richard,good luck with the M.O.T. hope all goes well and look forward to seeing you at Wroxall too.
Take care.
Andy

[mike020150]

All Jaguars (& Daimler versions) will be welcome at Wroxall but especially any XJ variant. It will be an opportunity to see the complete XJ range from 1968 to 2018 celebrated in the style they deserve. Mike.

[RichardSEL]

I for one am really excited about going to Wroxall and I don't even have a Series Model only a X308,does that count
(I hope so).

Welp, it's an XJ8 -- even a Merc turned up at our Coventry Motor Museum visit.
And had the cheek to line up with the rest of us for the group photo

And Richard,good luck with the M.O.T. hope all goes well and look forward to seeing you at Wroxall too.

Now can't find a Series 1 windscreen wiper motor. Tried the usual sources but nothing apart from "untested" or "not working, for spares only". And those from the US so with some £50 freight to add too
It's a Lucas 75639 series

Wiper motor 71 label lop-res.jpg (40.93KiB)Viewed 4838 times

[Tintin]

Now can't find a Series 1 windscreen wiper motor. Tried the usual sources but nothing apart from "untested" or "not working, for spares only". And those from the US so with some £50 freight to add too

If its only the motor you need Richard, SNGB do an exchange unit for £198 + VAT - part no 12450E.

Good luck.

Robbie

[GordonJ]

Hi Robbie,
I along with four other members from Doncaster and District have registered our interest and intent in attending the Jaguar Summer Festival 2018 at Wroxall Abbey to celebrate the 50th anniversary XJ. It is also our intention to bring our XJ's as well just like we always do. All of us attended the weekend at Windsor but all communication seems to have stopped with regards Wroxall Abbey. Yes I am aware that the weekend is fair time away yet, but should we not be picked to have a place in the hotel it's doesn't give us a lot of time to make other holiday arrangements.
With the lack of communication over Wroxall Abbey we have recently tried to book the weekend in the Abbey ourselves and we have been told by the Abbey that there is no problem with that, so we'll give it another few weeks and then book direct ourselves. I can't see that we wouldn't be eligible to take part in all the festivities being organised on the members behalf. After all we are all fully paid up members of the Jaguar Enthusiasts club.

Gordon

[Tintin]

I was expecting to hear something more at the AGM recently, but coverage of the Wroxall event was "light touch" I think the phrase is. I registered my interest in the event with Bristol some weeks ago, but the wheels at head office do seem to grind a little slow! If the event is as popular as we hope you are right, Gordon and availability may be an issue. Let's hope we get an update form the events department at Bristol very shortly.

Robbie